NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1 Ingredients: COPPER CONCENTRATE: Aqua (Water), Copper Tripeptide-1, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. ACTIVATOR: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Decapeptide-22, Oligopeptide-78, Palmitoyl Decapeptide-21, Zinc Palmitoyl Nonapeptide-14, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Arginine, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethoxydiglycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenylpropanol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Of course, my first full product review had to be on this. When the serum launched back in May 2015 I was instantly intrigued and had to find out more. NIOD (Non-Invasive Options in Dermal Science) is a new branch on the already stellar Deciem tree and “skincare for the hyper-educated” it certainly is. This is a game-changer company and the product was my current favourite launch of 2015 at the time. Big statements, I know but ones I completely stand behind because I can’t remember the last time I was that excited by a new beauty brand and just one of their products.
What impressed me so much about this serum is that it really does it all, unlike anything I have ever used before. Through the high dose of Copper Tripeptide-1, it keeps the skin in a prolonged, heightened state of repair that tackles everything from hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, pores, elasticity, texture, tone and radiance. It will not only help prevent future damage but also correct existing issues and this something I definitely can attest to.
One of the things I love most about NIOD is that they are constantly adapting and striving for the best. Case in point – the formulation of this product. As you can see from the picture above, the serum comes in two bottles and when it first launched, one bottle contained 100% pure powdered Copper Tripeptide-1 and the other was the liquid “activator” containing the other ingredients. Now, the new version comes in a pre-stabilized liquid form, which is huge. The original formula had to be refrigerated to keep it stable and active, but that’s not necessary anymore. This is a really important change as it makes the serum a lot more travel friendly and much easier to mix and store.
As before, you pour the liquid activator into the serum bottle, replace the cap and shake for 30 seconds (don’t be alarmed by the color, it’s blue because of the Copper Tripeptide-1). You apply it immediately after cleansing, straight on to bare skin and you shouldn’t need a lot (I use about 4-5 drops) as the texture is light and watery. I like to spread the serum between my palms and then press it in to the skin. You can also use more to spot treat troublesome areas as well as use it around the eyes before applying your usual serum or cream.
The serum takes less than 30 seconds to absorb and get to work, but please make sure you wait that amount of time before moving on to your next step (especially if you’re using an acid) to ensure that whatever you apply on top doesn’t interfere with CAIS. It sinks in quickly, leaving the skin dry to the touch with no residue. It worked perfectly well with my other skincare products and did not affect their application. Initially, I used it AM and PM as suggested, but as the results got better, I switched to only in the mornings and then only when/where needed but now I am going to use it daily to get the full, long term benefits.
As you can see from the ingredients list above, this product is completely synthetic so obviously not plant based like I prefer but so worth it. It is high quality, innovative and delivers on it’s claims, which is exactly what I’m looking for in non-natural based skincare. I noticed immediate improvements to my skin, which consistently got better after every use.
The biggest changes I saw were with texture and hyperpigmentation. After every use my skin was just so incredibly soft and smooth and I saw a PIH mark disappear quicker than with any other product before. My pores also appeared less visible and my skin looked firmer and plumper, so I imagine this would be fantastic on mature skin. I used it on blemishes to help them heal faster (and on any cuts to do the same) and once they had healed, there was hardly any trace left. For me, that was an extremely welcomed result because as some of you may have experienced yourselves, the dark mark left behind after a spot has healed can last longer and be more noticeable than the original culprit ever was!
Now you can see why this serum made my 2015 Favourites list and to be honest, I would bathe in it if I could, I love it that much! I know that might sound slightly insane but who wouldn’t want to use it all over when the results are this good?! I am already on to my third bottle so I can safely say CAIS is worth every penny. At $60/£38 for 15ml, I think it’s very well priced considering the results and I would happily buy it again and again. There are so many things this serum can do, that I would definitely recommend it to everyone, no matter what your skin type or concern is – I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t benefit from using it.
It is such a genius yet simple concept that has performed so well and I can’t believe this hasn’t been thought of before (I’m looking at you big beauty brands). Obviously, these guys must know what they’re doing to have come up with a truly innovative product in a heavily saturated beauty market. That is not an easy thing to do these days and this is just the beginning for them – there is so much more on the way.
I highly recommend you check out the Deciem site because they have a lot going on across the various sub-brands. Over at NIOD you will see that they have some amazing sounding products and some exciting launches coming soon. It all just sounds so fascinating and high tech to me, which I really love so I can’t wait to try them all!
Arly
DETAIL ORIENTED BEAUTY 
Copper tripeptide is next on my list of things to try.. well written… PIH is such a pain to deal with. My current regimen of vitamin c + retinol + sunscreen is working wonders for the PIH.
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Thank you!!! ❤ Yes, those three are EXCELLENT for PIH – niacinamide and acids are great, too.
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Yup the acids! I blame the Hiron for the addiction. If someone read this statement, they would think i am talking about “you know what” 😁
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Really nice article, Thanks
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Good post, thanks for taking the time out 🙂
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Hello!!
Thanks for this post! Would you recommend this to use at any age? or starting at what age should be appropiated?
Thanks!
Maria
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Hi! Yes, I would definitely recommend this for any age because it’s more about addressing skin issues than just age related ones. If you are younger and you have blemishes, textural issues, hyper pigmentation then you could definitely use this. ❤
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Hi! Can you tell me how long these 15mL lasted the way you used it and if one uses the serum am and pm everyday how long do you think it will last? Thank you! 🙂
Verena
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Hi Verena! This serum lasted me a good few months as I ended up using it less and less as the results got better. If you used it AM and PM every day I think it would last about 3 months? It is definitely worth trying! ❤️
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I have just (as in today) started using it and I’m really excited to see how my skin reacts. It’s far more synthetic than anything else I use, but the ingredient list is fairly short and it isn’t full of, for lack of a better word, cheap crap, so it gets a pass 😉
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Oh, that’s so exciting! I hope you love it. Totally agree with you on the ingredients – synthetic but no crap, which is why I make an exception for it, too! Let me know how you get on with it. ❤️
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Thanks for the great read. I’ll be ordering but question. Is the serum ok to use along with my vitamin c, retinol products or could the mix be problematic? Thanks.
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Hi! So glad you liked the post. The serum is perfectly fine to use along with your other products – just be sure to use it first. ❤
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Great, thanks for the quick reply. I ordered it a couple of days ago. Looking forward to it 🙂
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Oh that’s so great! Please let me know how you get on with it. 😘
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Hi Arly thank you for this amazing review i wanted to ask you i have some acne spots what should I use with cais, also i saw it on look fantastic site but they have the original formula and I’m afraid to try this one i want the new formula , do you know other site with good price because it’s 99$ on DECIEM
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Hi Sam!!! So glad you liked the review. Definitely get an acne control serum like the Kypris Clearing Serum or Juice Beauty’s Blemish Clearing Serum. Both are excellent for daytime use. For evening, I highly recommend the Bravura 2% Salicylic Acid Peel. It clears up blemishes super fast. I did a blog post on all three that you can check out. As for CAIS – try Victoria Health or Escentual for a better deal. Let me know if you find it! ❤️
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Hello Arly
I am currently transitioning my current skin care regimen to NIOD regimen and below is what I am doing:
Morning
LVCE
CAIS
MMHC
HV
Lytera (from Skinmedica for Hyperpigmentation)
Sunscreen
Night
LVCE
CAIS (wait 30-min)
Retin-A (wait 30-min)
TNS Serum
MMHC
ELAN
NAAP
HV
Eyecream
I hope you will indulge me and answer a few questions.
1. Is my regimen and the sequence correct? Do you see any issues here?
2. I currently use a Clarisonic brush with a cleanser. I use this to get better cleaning, unclog pores, prevent acne etc. What are your thoughts on mechanical exfoliation using Clarisonic? Would I be able to use Clarisonic with LVCE?
3. I have also been using a chemical peel (twice a week with Salicylic acid, Lactic acid and Glycolic acid) and also a 5% Glycolic acid toner every day mainly for exfoliation, removing blemishes and for even skin tone and texture – as well as reducing pores. From what I understand, NIOD philosophy does not recommend AHA/BHA acids. So, would using NAAP alone accomplish the same results as chemical peels and toner? Or would you recommend using NAAP in addition to chemical peels and acid toner?
4. I currently use 0.25% Retin-A. Would it be ok to use both Retin-A and NAAP on the same night?
5. Do you recommend using a moisturizing cream in addition to HV? My skin is combination, acne prone and on the oily side.
6. I use Skinceuticals tinted sunscreen. Would photography fluid work well on top of tinted sunscreens?
Appreciate your advice!!
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Hi! Wow – a whole NIOD routine is amazing! OK, let’s see if I can help. 🙂
1. From the looks of it I think your regime and sequence is correct and I don’t see any issues other than you should also use the SS cleanser.
2. I have never used a clarisonic as I have sensitive skin but I have a feeling that it might not be the best thing for skin and I am dubious to how hygienic the brush head is. It don’t think it would be suitable with lVCE but it could possible work with the SS cleanser, although that is not for daily use.
3. Oooh, if you are using peels and an daily acid toner that seems like a bit much too me and if you are using NAAP and retinol that is more than enough to exfoliate your skin. Less is definitely more in my opinion and you should consider eliminating the acids and toner.
4. I don’t know about using a high strength of retinol like that with NAAP but I have used it with my Verso serum which is a retinol product and I love the results of them together. You would just have to pay very close attention to how your skin reacts if you do it and do not do it more than once or twice a week to start.
5. I have never used HV and don’t like moisturizers, so would recommend an oil instead. You should be able to gage how you skin is and if it needs more moisturization than HV is giving you.
6. I have never used Skinceuticals or Photography Fluid so I don’t know how well they would work together but I am pretty sure PF should go under any makeup products.
I hope that helped and if you have any other questions, please feel free to email me!
Arly
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While this person didn’t have the courtesy to thank you, I hope you know that your answers are proving useful even years later, and I hope it helps make it worthwhile for you.
So thank you!
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Hi John! Thank you so much for saying that! It means a lot and I appreciate that you took the time to say thanks. Not many do, so I am always grateful when someone does. So glad the blog posts have been helpful and thank you for being so kind! 🙂
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I don’t have an issue with break outs or acne but my skin tends to be dry and I constantly moisturise it. Is the serum something you would recommend for me. I have what is euphemistically called mature skin?
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Yes! This or even the new SDSM toner type product that I just blogged about. CAIS is excellent for mature skin and improving skin health and SDSM is all about hydration and anti-inflammatory support. I would say start with SDSM and if you think your skin needs more then add CAIS as they are amazing together. 👍🏽
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Hi can I use a glycolic mask before or after cais niod please clarify thanks Nancy
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Hi Nancy! It depends how much time you have. I would usually do masks before CAIS but you would have to wait at least half an hour before continuing with your routine. You technically could use the mask after CAIS if you waited at least a 5 minutes for it to be fully absorbed but it’s risky. Maybe just skip the CAIS on the glycolic mask night and use it in the morning instead? I hope that helps!
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On the Niod-Homepage the ingredients-List of the Copper Amino Isolate Serum 1.00% ist different:
Aqua (Water), Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Copper Tripeptide-1, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Zinc Palmitoyl Nonapeptide-14, Decapeptide-22, Ogliopeptide78, Palmitoyl Decapeptide-21, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenylpropanol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol.
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Oh yes, thank you so much! I realize my inci list is from the first version they had so I will update it with the new one. ❤
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Hi Nancy,
Is the CAIS ok for sensitive/dry skin? Thanks!
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Hi Becca,
Yes it is. Hope you love it!
Arly 🙂
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Hi! Yes the CAIS is great for sensitive skin but like me I have sensitive skin too and when I applied my CAIS first and then my leave on Alpha H glyolic acid over three times a week I experienced reddness, slight peeling and more sensitivity when I tried to apply my other serums the following morning. Pls be careful I now hold back on the CAIS when I apply my glycolic acid three nights a week. But the CAIS is still brilliant but I consider it to be an active so be careful when applying with other actives.
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Thanks for a very informative post
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You are very welcome! So happy to hear you enjoyed it! 🙂
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Hi I have started using cais for a few days now to tighten the loose skin under my eyes. It appears to be working. But I’m wondering if there is a maintenance dose? Will there be a time when the cais may stop working? Or are the results cumulative?
I have read that copper peptides can produce negative side effects over time like skin sag and loss of elasticity especially around the eye area. Have you experienced or heard about this? Am concerned.
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I wouldn’t necessarily say it stops working, but it will get to a point where it is maintaining your skin health rather than fixing any issues you have. I definitely haven’t noticed any negative side effects and I have been using the product since it launched, including around my eye area. ❤
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